Masonry Magazine March 2009 Page. 12
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Tom Daniel
President
Mason Contractors Association of America
On a Positive Note...
The MCAA has just concluded another successful annual convention at the World of Masonry Show. The overall attendance level was surprisingly very good, considering all of the "Doom and Gloom" that is portrayed in the media.
Most of the contractors I spoke with were of the same opinion. All had backlog on their books but were having trouble selling new work. They said there is plenty of new work to bid. The problem is that the same projects are being bid several times, because owners try to get the lowest possible price. Some projects are permitted and ready to start, but do not. Why? The main reason is that the banks are putting a strangle hold on lending. Any first round TARP money they received is still in their coffers. They are holding on to the money to maintain their balance sheets. This is what happens when the government throws our tax money at a problem.
Our legislators should think it through and put covenants in place that assure the money is put to good use. When they don't, we have a situation quite similar to what we have now, and the vicious cycle starts. With reduced volume, companies cut overhead and people loose their jobs. The job losses mean less consumer buying. Fewer consumer purchases mean reduced sales for retail, car purchases, travel, etc., and so the downward cycle begins. What do we do as mason contractors?
We remain as positive as we can. We do the best we can to keep our overhead and costs in line, and we do everything we can to support our community, employees and industry.
This is why it was so important for all of us to attend the MCAA Annual Convention. I always take away a feeling of well being after participating in meetings with my fellow contractors. Our seminars, committee meetings, trowel contests and social events are the perfect solution to maintain your business edge. As an MCAA member, I have an association behind me that supports me when I need help with information for my business. When I need feedback on an issue, I can pickup the phone and call a fellow contractor for advice.
Our country is strong and our economy will rebound. As one of my mentors once told me, "Time heals all wounds." IMAS
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MCAA
New Members
The Mason Contractors Association of America is proud to welcome the following new members to the Association. MCAA would like to take this opportunity to thank them for joining their fellow mason contractors nationwide in helping to build a secure masonry industry. MCAA's members look forward to a long association with their firms.
March Westin, Inc.
360 Frontier Str.
Morgantown, WV 26505
Class B
JD Masonry
1034 West Lancaster Blvd.
Lancaster. Calif. 39534
Class A
Shoun-Allen
Masonry, Inc.
PO Box 14203
Morristown, Tenn. 37814
Class C
Central Masonry
Corporation
8159 Brandon Drive
Littleton, Colo. 80125
Class C
Doyle Hatfield
Masonry, Inc.
PO Box 1217
Salem, Utah 84653
Class B
Rick Stone Masonry,
Inc.
9850 Signal Hill
Helotes, Texas 78023
Class B
Adams Concrete
Masonry, LLC
113 Birkhead Road
Winfield. Md. 63389
Class A
Rudd and Adams
Masonry, Inc.
134 Cascade Caverna
Boerne, Texas 78015
Class D
Southern Brick
Contractors
2403 Westwood Ave
Richmond. Va. 23230
Class C
Edge Enterprise,
4369 W. Farm Road
Brighton, Mo. 65617
Class A
Lurvey Landscap
Supply
30560 North Russell
Volo, III. 60073
Supplier
Forensic Stone a
Tile Consultants
2761 Triunro Canyon
Cornell, Calif. 91301
Supplier
If your company is interested in becoming a member of the Mason Contractors Association of America as a contractor, supplier, or instructor, please contact MCAA at (800) 536-2225, or complete an application at www.masoncontractors.org
The Voice of the Masonry Industry